Study type: Medical/biological study (observational study)

Effects of Electromagnetic Field on Free-Radical Processes in Steelworkers. Part II: Magnetic Field Influence on Vitamin A, E and Selenium Concentrations in Plasma med./bio.

By: Sobczak A, Kula B, Danch A
Published in: J Occup Health 2002; 44 (4): 230-233
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

To evaluate the influence of electromagnetic fields on the concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin E, and selenium, which represent non-enzymatic antioxidants, in the plasma of steelworkers (men only) who worked in places where two induction heaters were located (induction of 1.3 mT).

Background/further details

The workers were divided into three groups: 1) workers employed for less than 3 years, 2) employed for 3-10 years, and 3) employed for more than 10 years.
The control group consisted of 25 persons who worked at the steelworks but were not exposed to magnetic or electric irradiation.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: repeated daily exposure for (mean) 6.8 hours a day for 5 days a week for up to 3, or 3 to 10, or over 10 years

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration repeated daily exposure for (mean) 6.8 hours a day for 5 days a week for up to 3, or 3 to 10, or over 10 years
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup Steelworkers (men only) who worked in a tool shop and heavy processing shop, where two induction heaters were located
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
electric field strength 20 V/m - - - -
magnetic field strength 2 A/m - - - -
Additional parameter details

The indices of electromagnetic field exposure established by the National Inspection Committee for the Control of Radiation were as above.

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • during exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data revealed a statistically significant decrease in plasma vitamin A, α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations in all exposed groups as well as a marked increase in plasma selenium concentrations in groups 2 and 3. These changes suggest that the electromagnetic fields studied caused an increase in free radical process activity in steelworkers.

Study character:

Study funded by

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